A Thought of Unity on The Day of Bakrid

Bakr’id is celebrated all over the world by the Islam fraternity. It is rightly called Idul-Adha or the festival of sacrifice, which is the second of the two festivals of Islam. This festival is an occasion that serves to foster fraternal relationship among members of various communities treating all human beings as the children of one God. It promotes the spirit of tolerance, mutual understanding and universal brotherhood.

Festival commemorating a sacrifice

Bakr’id is a festival that commemorates the great sacrifice of Ibrahim. According to Islamic belief, Ibrahim’s faith was put to test by Allah, who commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son Ismail. He was so faithful to Allah that he agreed to sacrifice his son. He blind – folded himself before putting Ismail on the altar at the mount of Mina near Mecca. When he removed his bandage after performing the act of sacrifice, he saw his son standing in front of him, alive and on the altar lay a slaughtered lamb. It was an acceptance from Allah and also recognition of Ibrahim’s great faith in Allah. Allah reassured Ibrahim that his great sacrifice was rewarded.

A sacrifice of universal fraternity

The day of sacrifice dawns with the resounding declaration of Thakbir, praising ‘Allahu Akbar’ which means God is great. As stated above this feast hails the faith of Ibrahim (Abraham) who did not hesitate to sacrifice his son. This incident begins the history of faith in the Old Testament. Abraham, father of faith, is hailed as the father of faith in Islam, Christianity and the Jewish. This is the day to come together in fraternal love and share life in equality.

Qurbani, the fraternal sharing

Islam hails equality and fraternity as cardinal principles. The festival of Bakr’id is the sharing experience of these principles. The sacrifice of ‘Qurbani’ unites all humans in sharing. It brings together the family members, the neighbors and the deserving destitute. Here, in Kerala, after the morning ‘dua’ (prayer meeting) Christians and Hindus exchange greetings with Muslims as an expression of affectionate brotherhood and hug each other. Muslims visit the neighboring homes and take part in singing and dancing.

Bakr’id signifies faith in God and reminds all of us to live in harmony by sharing love and charity with all. The great sacrifice of Ibrahim(Abraham) should make us come together forgetting all the disparities of creed, color, language, country, etc.